I too slice my bagels through. I buy a baker's dozen at a time, slice them as soon aa I arrive home (while they are still warm!), and put them in sealed freezer bags (except for the one I choose to consume immediately). These then go directly into the freezer (strangely enough), to be enjoyed over the next weeks. Upon removal from a freezer bag (half a bagel), 32 seconds in the microwave restores it to virtually the same state as it was following slicing. At that point, I may choose to lightly toast it, or use it as the base for an open-face grilled sandwich. I have many favorite recipes; the standard "bagel and lox, with the cheese in the middle, with a little bit of onion (Vidalia) on the side" topped with a thick slab of fully-ripe home-grown tomato is always an option. The open-face grilled options include extra-sharp Cheddar or Jarlsburg, or Provolone, etc. usually topped again with tomato or roasted red bell pepper then into the toaster oven set to broil for a few minutes,. These variations always start with a light spray of EV olive oil directly on the cut face of the bagel, then a dusting of garlic powder, dried basil, anise and/or caraway seeds etc. then depending on whim and what's in the fridge, some sliced olives, sauteed mushrooms or onions, etc. Finally the cheese goes on, with or without another topping or two. One unusual happy marriage of "double smoke" includes smoked Gouda cheese and lox! They really complement each other. Try them in an omelet or (my favorite) frittatta also. Since ours is a Kosher kitchen, no bacon, Max.

That is the basis of MY daily breakfast (and usually weekend brunch as well)! I hope these suggestions inspire all bagel (and lox et al.) lovers to indulge!

@TonyTib: ...take advantage of modern stuff, but put the important people in your life first...

I totally agree that loving and being loved are a #1 priority (right up there with food, water, and shelter).

I'm not singing the praises of modern stuff like spartphones and tablets and computer games -- I'm more thinking about out ease of access to copious amounts of cheap food -- and clothing -- and living in nice clean temperature-controlled homes without water dripping on our heads.

I think some of the angst may because our happiness isn't defined by hot water, but by our relationships -- and I'm not sure modern technology has helped make our relationships stronger. So, yes, take advantage of modern stuff, but put the important people in your life first.